CN106605032B

CN106605032B - Connector for forming a seam

Info

Publication number: CN106605032B
Application number: CN201580018400.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 兰斯·罗杰斯
Original assignee: Srg Ip Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Srg Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-06
Filing date: 2015-02-06
Publication date: 2021-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-06
Also published as: EP3105383A4; AU2021232764B2; AU2021232764A1; NZ723809A; CA2975896A1; US20190242114A1; AU2019253867B2; EP3105383A1; AU2015213472A1; WO2015117190A1; US20170175382A1; AU2015213472B2; CN106605032A; AU2019253867A1; US10260230B2; US10858824B2; SG11201606499UA

Abstract

A connector (10) for forming a joint between first (20) and second (22) surfaces. The connector (10) includes: a hollow male member (18) embedded in the first surface (20), the male member (18) having an open-ended protrusion (102) extending therefrom; a hollow female component (12) embedded in the second surface (22), the female component (12) having a mating opening (42a) for receiving the protrusion (102); and a flexible sealing means (16) for forming a fluid tight seal between the female (12) and male (18) components. When installed, rebar (34) forming a portion of the first surface extends through the protrusion (102) into the female component (12). Prior to grouting, the male and female components (12, 18) facilitate movement of the rebar (34) during settling of the first surface (20) without breaking the fluid tight seal formed by the flexible sealing device (16). It is also desirable to form a seam between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface.

Description

Connector for forming a seam

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector for forming a seam. The invention is particularly suitable for connecting parts for post-tensioned concrete structures, such as floor slabs, in a manner that allows the parts to move relative to each other during the settling of the parts.

Background

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.

Post-tensioning ("PT") is a technique used in building construction, particularly in those building floors intended to have long spans that are not interrupted by vertical struts. PT relates to reinforced concrete or other materials with high strength steel strands or rods. These strands and rods are commonly referred to as rebar.

A problem with this approach is that it is generally not possible to grout the entire floor as a single floor due to size limitations, continuity requirements and/or constraints. Thus, floors are usually formed of sections or individual floor slabs. The sections and floors are typically grouted at different times relative to each other. To ensure that the floor is more or less continuous, each section or floor comprises suitable reinforcement, such as PT cables or PT strands.

As each section or floor cures and settles, the sections or floors may move relative to each other. This means that the joints connecting the segments or floors must be able to accommodate this relative movement. At the same time, the joint acts to allow the temporary release of the restraining effect of the segments relative to each other and thereby ensures that the maximum amount of pre-compression force is transferred to the floor. If not enough PT pre-compression force is transferred to the floor, there is a possibility of cracking within the sections or floor slabs, thereby reducing the life and integrity of the resulting floor.

One past approach has been to provide temporary expansion joints at strategic locations within the building to allow for such movement and to transfer pre-compression forces. Each temporary expansion joint allows the structural unit to which it is attached to move during curing and settling. Once the connected structural units have cured and settled, the temporary expansion joints are permanently locked to provide a more or less continuous floor or other element of the building.

While this approach works, almost all prior art temporary expansion joints suffer from one or more of the following problems:

if the surfaces to which the temporary expansion joint is intended to be attached move relative to each other during settlement, an air gap may be formed away from the temporary expansion joint, and at least a portion of the reinforcing bars may be exposed to the atmosphere, thereby being corroded, etc., until being sealed.

The sealing of the temporary expansion joint is very difficult, especially at the bottom of the temporary expansion joint.

As a result of the first problem, the temporary expansion joints of the prior art must be made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel. When coupled with the fact that materials must also be fire resistant or otherwise characterized to meet building codes, the cost of manufacturing temporary expansion joints may be ten times higher than the cost of manufacturing from less exotic materials.

The second problem is a case where the temporary expansion joint is not sufficiently reinforced or the sealant is released from the joint. In both cases, workers are required to fill the temporary expansion joints at a later date to ensure that the temporary expansion joints are properly sealed and locked in place. The requirement for remedial action is time consuming and expensive in addition to delayed completion of the building.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector for forming a seam that at least partially ameliorates one or more of the problems set forth above.

Disclosure of Invention

In this application, unless indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising," consisting of …, "and the like are to be construed as non-exhaustive or in other words to mean" including, but not limited to.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface, comprising:

a hollow male member embedded in the first surface, the male member having an open-ended protrusion extending therefrom;

a hollow female member embedded in the second surface, the female member having a mating opening for receiving the protrusion; and

a flexible sealing means for forming a fluid tight seal between the male and female members;

wherein, upon installation, the rebar forming part of the first surface is able to extend through the protrusion into the female component, the male and female components facilitating movement of the rebar during settling of the first surface prior to grouting without breaking the fluid tight seal formed by the flexible sealing means.

Preferably, the male part has a locating member disposed therein, the locating member having a slightly larger dimension than the reinforcing bar such that the reinforcing bar can be installed into the mating male and female parts by the locating member.

In this manner, it will be appreciated that the connector need not be made of a corrosion resistant or fire resistant material, as no portion thereof remains exposed after the surface is formed. Furthermore, when properly loaded into such connectors, no portion of the rebar is exposed, hereinafter also referred to as a pin.

In an alternative arrangement of this aspect of the invention, a connector for forming a seam between a first surface and a second surface, comprises:

wherein, upon installation, the rebar forming part of the first surface is able to extend through the female member and thereafter into the protrusion, the male and female members facilitating movement of the rebar during settlement of the second surface prior to grouting without breaking the fluid tight seal formed by the flexible sealing means.

With such a construction, the female member may have a locating member provided thereon, the locating member being sized slightly larger than the reinforcing bar so that the reinforcing bar can be installed into the mating male and female members via the locating member.

The flexible sealing means may form part of a hollow female member. Ideally, the flexible sealing means comprises a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring connected by a rubber extrusion, wherein the first sealing ring is connected to the female part and the second sealing ring is connected to the male part. The use of a flexible seal allows the pin to move without breaking its seal.

The first seal ring may be received in a passage of the female component to form a mechanical seal between the first seal ring and the passage. Preferably, the first seal ring has a circular cross-section with a dimension greater than that of the passageway such that the first seal ring deforms to form a mechanical seal when received into the passageway. The channel may be formed when the fastening plate is connected to the cavity.

The open-ended protrusion may have an inwardly tapered surface that may be used to facilitate connection of the second seal ring to the open-ended protrusion and to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when subjected to telescoping movement during sedimentation.

The female component may have a first receptacle and a second receptacle, each configured to receive a grout tube such that pumped grout flows into the connector through the grout tube connected to the first receptacle and flows out of the connector through the grout tube connected to the second receptacle. Alternatively, the female component may have a first receptacle and a second receptacle, each configured to receive a grout tube, such that pumped grout flows into the connector through the grout tube connected to the first receptacle and flows out of the connector through the grout tube connected to the second receptacle. In yet another alternative configuration, the male component has a first receptacle and a second receptacle, each configured to receive a grout tube, such that pumped grout flows into the connector through the grout tube connected to the first receptacle and flows out of the connector through the grout tube connected to the second receptacle. The spigot, whether constructed, may have an enlarged head to allow the grout tube to be connected to the spigot by a forced fit.

The provision of first and second sockets forming part of the same component is advantageous as it allows visual confirmation that the grout line is properly deployed to the intended single continuous bend.

The mating opening may take the form of a cavity of larger dimensions than the remainder of the female component, the protrusion and the sealing member being received within the cavity.

The female member may have a fastening plate for assisting in securing the female member to a formwork mounted to assist in the formation of the second surface. Preferably, the fastening plate has at least one fastening hole for receiving a fastener and thereby assisting in securing the female member to the form. In addition, the fastening plate has at least one breakable portion, and the at least one fastening hole is provided in at least one of the at least one breakable portion.

The use of frangible portions allows the female member to remain on the template even when a disengagement force is applied to one of the fasteners (the frangible portion containing that fastener can only be disengaged).

The male component may have a face plate having the same profile as the fastening plate such that alignment of the face plate with the fastening plate corresponds to alignment of the male component with the female component. Additionally, a compressible material may be disposed at a location between the face plate and the fastening plate during installation. The compressible material may incorporate an adhesive for forming a bond with the face plate or the fastening plate, or both the face plate and the fastening plate. The fastening plate may have a spacer located adjacent to the fastening hole.

The shim serves to compensate for the increase in overall size caused by the inclusion of the compressible material.

The male and/or female part preferably has at least one longitudinally extending groove provided in its upper surface. When included, best performance may be achieved when the first and second sockets are located at a suitably higher position relative to the upper surface of the male and/or female member than the longitudinally extending grooves.

The male and/or female members may have retaining means provided on their outer surfaces for assisting in securely retaining the male and/or female members on their respective surfaces. Such retaining means may take the form of one or more of: irregularities in the outer surface; a discontinuity in the outer surface; a rib; corrugation; a groove; wave crest.

Preferably, the inner surface of the male and/or female part is smooth.

The male and/or female part may comprise holding means for releasably holding a bracket during installation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a female component forming part of a connector for forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface, as described in the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a male component forming part of a connector for forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface, as described in the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface, comprising the steps of:

securing the female part of the connector described in the first aspect of the invention to a template for the second surface;

forming a second surface having a female component embedded therein such that the opening of the female component remains accessible after the template is removed;

the open-ended protrusion of the male component of the connector mates with the opening of the female component such that the flexible sealing device forms a fluid tight seal between the female component and the male component;

installing a reinforcing bar forming a portion of the first surface into the female member through the protrusion;

forming a first surface having a male component embedded therein; and

the grout connector, the male component and the female component facilitate movement of the rebar during settling of the first surface without breaking the fluid tight seal formed by the flexible sealing device.

In an alternative construction of this aspect of the invention, a method for forming a seam between a first surface and a second surface, comprises the steps of:

installing a reinforcing bar forming a portion of the first surface into the male component through the protrusion;

forming a first surface having a male component embedded therein; and

The method may further comprise the step of forming a mechanical seal between the first seal ring and the passage of the female component. In connection with this step, the method may further comprise the step of forming the channel by attaching a fastening plate to a cavity forming part of the female member.

The method may further include the step of inserting the open-ended protrusion through the second seal ring such that the inwardly tapered surface of the open-ended protrusion facilitates the insertion and serves to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when the male and female members undergo telescoping movement during settling.

The method may further comprise the step of connecting a grout line to each of a pair of sockets secured to the male and/or female members such that pumped grout flows into the connector through a first socket and out of the connector via a grout line connected to a second socket. Preferably, the method may further comprise connecting a free end of the grout tube connected to the second socket of the first connector to the first socket of the second connector.

In this way, the desired continuous curved conduit between the connectors is formed.

The method may further comprise the step of aligning the fastening plate of the female component with the face plate of the male component. In connection with this step, the method may further comprise the step of installing a compressible material between the face plate and the fastening plate. Ideally, the compressible material forms a bond with the panel or the fastening plate or the panel and the fastening plate.

The method may further comprise the step of releasably retaining a bracket to maintain the horizontal position of the male and/or female components during installation.

The method may further comprise the step of removing the protective cap from the opening of the female component after forming the second surface. The use of a protective cap helps to prevent contaminants that might otherwise enter the female component during the formation of the first or second surface from breaking the seal.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a connecting device for forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, the connecting device comprising:

an anchor head having a threaded portion for insertion into a vertical surface;

a pin having a mating threaded portion;

a hollow male component received in the vertical surface, the male component having an open-ended protrusion extending therefrom and an open-ended body;

a hollow female member embedded in the horizontal surface, the female member having a mating opening for receiving the protrusion; and

a flexible sealing means for forming a fluid tight seal between the female and male components;

wherein, upon installation, the rebar is matingly connected to the anchor head by the threaded portion, the unmated end of the rebar extending through the protrusion into the female member, such that, prior to grouting, the male and female members facilitate movement of the rebar during horizontal surface settlement without breaking the fluid tight seal formed by the flexible sealing means.

The attachment means may comprise a wall plate having a cylinder with a threaded portion, the cylinder being operable to matingly attach to the anchor head via the threaded portion and thereby hold the anchor head in place during formation of the vertical surface.

The open-ended body may include a locating edge having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylinder.

By using a locating edge with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylinder, the male part is mounted in its place when the wall plate is removed, a sealing tight fit to the vertical surface is formed by the male part.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is a method of forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, comprising the steps of:

securing the wall panel to a formwork for vertical surface formation;

connecting the anchor head to the cylindrical portion of the wall plate;

forming a vertical surface having an anchor head and a wall plate formed therein;

removing the wall panel from the vertical surface;

connecting a pin to an anchor head embedded in the vertical surface;

mounting a male component to an area formed by removal of the wall plate from the vertical surface, the male component having an open-ended protrusion through which the pin extends;

mating the open-ended protrusion of the male component with the opening of the female component such that the flexible sealing device forms a fluid tight seal between the female component and the male component;

forming a horizontal surface having a female component embedded therein; and

grouting connectors.

The method may further comprise the step of forming a mechanical seal between the first seal ring and the passage of the female component. As a related step, the method may further comprise the step of forming the channel by attaching a fastening plate to a cavity forming part of the female member.

The method may further include the step of inserting the open-ended protrusion through the second seal ring such that the inwardly tapered surface of the open-ended protrusion facilitates the insertion and serves to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when the male and female members are subjected to telescoping movement during settling.

The method may further comprise the step of connecting a grout pipe to each of a pair of sockets secured to the female component such that grout pumped through a first socket flows into the connector and out of the connector via the grout pipe connected to a second socket. As a related problem, the method may further comprise the step of connecting the free end of the grout pipe connected to the second spigot of the first female component to the first spigot of the second female component.

The method may further comprise the step of aligning the fastening plate of the female component with the face plate of the male component.

The method may further comprise the step of installing a compressible material between the face plate and the fastening plate. The compressible material may be used in the step of forming a bond with the panel or the fastening plate or the panel and the fastening plate.

The method may further comprise releasably retaining a bracket to maintain the horizontal position of the female component during installation.

Drawings

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a connector according to a first embodiment of the invention, in assembled form and shown in a separated state;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a sleeve forming a portion of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sealing device forming part of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fastening plate forming part of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover forming a portion of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a first partial cross-sectional view in perspective of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a second partial cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. 1;

figures 9-1 to 9-8 are single diagrammatic views of various stages of joining two floor slabs with the connector shown in figure 1;

fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a sleeve forming a portion of the connector shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fastening plate forming part of the connector shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the fastening plate shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cover forming a portion of the connector shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view in perspective of the partially assembled connector shown in FIG. 10;

fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a cover forming part of the connector shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 17 received in a vertical surface;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a process of installing the connector of FIG. 16 to connect a wall plate to a floor slab;

fig. 20 is a perspective view of a variation of the connector shown in fig. 1 including means for retaining the bracket.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a compressible material disposed between a face plate and a fastening plate.

Detailed Description

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a connector 10 for forming a seam. The connector 10 includes a sleeve 12, a fastening plate 14, a sealing member 16, and a cover 18.

In essence, the present invention contemplates that the sleeve 12 is adapted to be fixedly secured to the first section or floor 20. The cover 18 is intended to be firmly secured to the second section or floor 22. In combination, the sleeve 12 and the cover 18 are cooperatively connected to form a sealed connection at the interface 24 of the two sections or

floors

20, 22.

The sleeve 12 has a front end 26, a rear end 28, and a sidewall 30. A majority of the sleeve 12 is in the form of an extension forming a housing 32 for receiving and protecting a first portion of a reinforcement pin 34, the reinforcement pin 34 forming part of the first section or floor 20. The length (L) of the housing 32 corresponds to the length of the first portion of the reinforcement pin 34.

The inner lower surface (not shown) of the housing 32 is substantially smooth to facilitate passage of grout (not shown) through the sleeve 12. The use of a substantially smooth inner lower surface may also reduce the formation of air bubbles, air pockets, and the like that may impair the securement of the sleeve 12 to the reinforcement pin 34 when sealed with grout.

At least one of the side walls 30 has surface irregularities or discontinuities in the form of ribs 38. In the uncured state, the ribs 38 help to securely hold the submerged sleeve 12 in the first section or floor 20.

Located at the forward end 26 of the sleeve 12 is a cavity 40. The cavity 40 takes the form of a substantially rectilinear three-dimensional cuboid having

open faces

42a, 42 b. The function of the open face 42a will be described in more detail below.

The open face 42b allows fluid communication between the cavity 40 and the housing 32.

Extending along the upper surface 44 of the sleeve 12 are a pair of longitudinally extending slots 46. Each slot 46 acts as a flow channel for grout when introduced into the sleeve 12. The grooves 46 also function to reduce the formation of bubbles and the like.

A first port 48 is provided on the upper surface 44 at the location of the rear end 28 of the sleeve 12. In this embodiment, the first port 48 employs a hollow right angle elbow 50 having an enlarged head 52. The hollow nature of the first port 48 allows fluid communication between the first port 48 and the interior of the sleeve 12.

The enlarged head 52 has a tapered collar or rim 54 for receiving and retaining a hose (not shown).

Notably, the enlarged head 52 must be located at a level higher than the level of the extended slot 46 to ensure that the entire connector 10 can be properly grouted when desired.

The fastening plate 14 is substantially planar and rectangular in shape. The fastening plate 14 is welded to the open face 42a of the cavity 40. As shown in fig. 5, the fastening plate 14 has a size larger than the opening face 42 a.

Located in the center of the fastening plate 14 is a hole 58. The size and shape of the aperture 58 is slightly smaller than the open face 42 a. Around the perimeter of the aperture 58 is a flange 60. The function of the flange 60 will be described in more detail below.

Each corner of the securing plate 14 has a frangible portion 62 which can be broken off when required. Each frangible portion 62 has a securing hole 64. In this manner, frangible portion 62 can be disengaged from fastening plate 14 when a fastener (not shown) holds sleeve 12 to the form in an attempt to pull fastening plate 14 away from sleeve 12.

The sealing member 16 includes a first seal ring 68 and a second seal ring 70. As shown in fig. 4, a hollow rubber extrusion 72 extends between the first seal ring 68 and the second seal ring 70. The first and second seal rings 68, 70 are circular in cross-section.

A first opening 74 is located at the juncture of rubber extrusion 72 and first seal ring 68. A second opening 76 is located at the juncture of rubber extrusion 72 and second seal ring 70.

First seal 68 surrounds the perimeter of first opening 74. In this embodiment, first seal ring 68 is rectangular so as to match the inner contour of cavity 40, i.e., open face 42 a.

Second seal ring 70 surrounds the perimeter of second opening 76. In this embodiment, second seal ring 70 is circular to match the inner profile of sleeve 12.

As shown in fig. 6, the lid 18 includes a hollow body 78 having an upper or top surface 80, a front end 82, and a rear end 84. Extending from the rear end 84 is a positioning member 86. In this embodiment, the positioning member 86 takes the form of a ring. The locating member 86 serves to receive and protect a first portion of the reinforcement pin 34 that is part of a second section of the floor or slab 22. The positioning member 86 is therefore of slightly larger dimensions than the reinforcement pin 34.

Extending along the upper surface 80 of the cover 18 are a pair of longitudinally extending slots 88. Each groove 88 acts as a flow path for grout when introduced into the cap 18. The grooves 88 also serve to reduce the formation of bubbles and the like.

An upwardly directed second port 90 extends from the upper surface 80 at or toward the rear end 84. In this embodiment, the second port 90 again takes the form of a hollow right angle elbow 92 with an enlarged head 94. The hollow nature of the second port 90 allows fluid communication between the second port 90 and the hollow body (not shown) of the cap 18.

The enlarged head 94 has a tapered collar or rim 96 for receiving and retaining a grout tube or pipe.

Again, it should be noted that the enlarged head 94 must be located at a level higher than the level of the extended slot 88 to ensure that the entire connector 10 can be properly grouted when desired.

Panel 100 is located toward front end 82. The size and shape of the panel 100 is generally compatible with the fastening plate 14.

Extending forwardly from the face plate 100 is a hollow cylindrical male member 102. In this embodiment, the cylindrical male part 102 takes the form of an extension tube. Surrounding the open end 104 of the male cylindrical part 102 is a rim 106. The rim 106 has an inwardly tapered surface 108.

The hollow nature of the male cylindrical component 102 means that the interior of the male cylindrical component 102 is in fluid communication with the hollow body 78.

Located above the cylindrical male member 102 is a retaining clip 110. The retaining clip 110 projects from the panel 100 in a direction generally parallel to the cylindrical male member 102. A lip 112 extends from a free end 114 of the retaining clip 110. The lip 112 projects away from the male cylindrical member 102. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the lip 112 has a triangular cross-section.

The retaining clip 110 has a width (W) less than that of the cylindrical male member 102₂) Width (W) of₁)。

Since the connector 10 is ultimately provided in the form of a combination of the male member (the cap 18) and the female member (the sleeve 12, the securing plate 14 and the sealing member 16), it is important to describe the method of assembly of the female members.

To assemble the female component, the sealing member 16 is inserted into the open face 42b of the cavity 40. Insertion of the sealing member 16 continues until the first sealing ring 68 contacts the abutment 116. This arrangement ensures that the second opening 76 is centrally located relative to the opening face 42a, but spaced therefrom. These requirements are illustrated in fig. 7 and 8.

With the sealing member 16 properly inserted, the plate 14 is then installed. The mounting of the fastening plate 14 ensures that the flange 60 is received into the open face 42 a. More importantly, the mounting of the retention plate 14 defines a square channel 118. For purposes of illustration, the square channel 118 is defined by the retention plate 14, the flange 60, the cavity 40, and the seat 116. It should be noted that the flange 60 and the seat 116 are not in contact, so that the square passage 118 has an opening 120.

The formation of the square channel 118 also serves to retain the first seal ring 68. It should be noted here that the dimension (S) of the square passage 118 is smaller than the diameter (D) of the first sealing ring 68. Thus, retention of the first seal ring 68 within the square cavity 118 causes it to deform and mechanically seal the square cavity 118. The rubber extruded portion 72 extends from the square passageway 118 through the opening 120.

To ensure that the square cavities 118 maintain a mechanical seal when subjected to varying forces that occur during settling of the

floor sections

20, 22, the fixing plate 14 is friction welded to the sleeve 12.

The present embodiments will be described in the context of their intended use. Note that for the remainder of the description:

portions of the reinforcement pin 34 will be referred to by the term "pin" as is common in the industry; and

the term sleeve 12 will be used as a reference for the sleeve 12, assembled with the retention plate 14 and the sealing member 16 (as described above for the female member).

When it is desired to connect two

concrete floors

20, 22 across a common connection, the form 122 is prepared according to the location and size and shape of the floor to be formed. The form 122 includes a main horizontal panel 124 for forming the floor. Substantially vertical formwork strips 126 are securely attached to the horizontal panels 124 at the locations where the connecting edges of the floor panels are to be formed.

Pinned to at least one vertical moldboard strip 126 is sleeve 12. Ideally, as shown in fig. 9-1 to 9-8, the sleeves 12 are pinned to the vertical template bars 126 at regularly spaced locations along the length of the template 122.

The grout tube 128 is then forcibly fitted over the enlarged head 52 of the first port 48 of the sleeve 12 which is nailed to the periphery of the vertical form bar 126. The grout tube 128 is then securely forced onto the enlarged head 52 of the first interface of each second sleeve 12 that is nailed to the vertical form bars 126. If the number of sleeves 12 nailed to the vertical form bar 126 is not even, the last grout tube 128 is securely attached to the enlarged head 52 of the first port 48 of the last sleeve 12 nailed to the vertical form bar 126.

The grout pipe 128 is securely attached to the perimeter of the vertical formwork strips 126, with the last grout pipe 128, if any, remaining free and being operated to extend primarily up to a position above the intended working surface of the first section 20 of the floor. However, the unattached end of each intermediate grout tube 128 is manipulated to securely attach the enlarged head 52 of the first port 48 of the next sleeve 12 nailed to the vertical form strip 126. This arrangement is shown in fig. 9-2.

Concrete reinforcement in the form of a grid 130 is then placed on the horizontal plate 124 and in position to be embedded into the first section 20 of the floor during pouring. With all of the grid 130 in place, the uncured concrete is poured to create the first section 20 of the floor. Once the first section 20 is cured, the vertical template bars 126 are removed and the engagement surface 132 of the pouring section 20 is cleaned from debris. The open face 42a of each sleeve 12 is similarly cleaned.

Once cleaned, a cap 18 is attached to each sleeve 12.

The attachment of the cap 18 to the sleeve 12 is accomplished by first inserting the male cylindrical member 102 into the open face 42 a. At some point during the insertion process, the edge 106 will contact the rubber extruded portion 72. At this point, further insertion of the cap 18 will encounter resistance, but depending on the inwardly tapered surface 108 of the rim 106, the rubber extruded portion 72 and the second seal 70 will be forced to stretch until the rim 106 passes the second seal 70.

When edge 106 passes over second seal ring 70, rubber extrusion 72 and second seal ring 70 attempt to retract to their original shape. The presence of the cylindrical male part 102 prevents this from occurring, but acts as a clamping force for the second seal ring 70. The second seal ring 70 is under the influence of this clamping force, thereby sealing the connection between the seal part 16 and the male cylindrical part 102.

As the rim 106 passes over the second seal ring 70, the retaining clip 110 approaches the square channel 118. As shown in fig. 8, the proximity of the square channel 118 allows the lip 112 to protrude into the opening 120. When so positioned, an audible sound is generated to the installer as an indication that the cap 18 has been attached to the sleeve 12. It should be noted, however, that the connection is not permanent or secure and that the lip 112 may be easily removed from the opening 120 with the application of a low level of force.

The cover 18 is now properly mounted on the sleeve 12 and the pin 34 is inserted into the connector 10. The pin 34 is inserted by means of the positioning element 18. The pin 34 is preferably pushed into the connector 10 until the pin 34 abuts an inner wall (not shown) of the rear end 28.

Starting from the connection of the caps 18 to the sleeves 12 which are nailed to the periphery of the vertical formwork strips 126, a grouting duct 128 is firmly connected to the enlarged head 94 of the second interface 90 of each second cap 18.

The unattached end of each grout tube 128 is then connected to the enlarged head 94 of the second port 90 of the next cap 18. If no even number of covers 18 are connected to the sleeve 12, the grout line 128 connected to the last cover 18 is operated to extend primarily up to a position above the intended working surface of the second section of the floor 22.

In this manner, the grout line 128 connects the connectors 10 in a manner that forms a single curved line for grout to flow through.

Reinforced concrete in the form of a grid 130 is then placed on the horizontal plate 124 and placed to embed the second section of the floor as it is poured along the portion of the pin 34 not received in the connector 10. With all of the grid 130 properly positioned, the uncured concrete is grouted to form the second section of the floor 22.

When the second section of floor 22 is lowered, the connector 10 allows the two

floor sections

20, 22 to move relative to each other in two horizontal planes, but restricts all movement of the two

floor sections

20, 22 relative to each other in a vertical plane.

Elaborating on, the movements that may occur during the settling of the second section of the floor 22 may be strong but very slight (the limit allowed perpendicular to the direction of the reinforcement pins 34 is 10mm and the limit allowed parallel to the direction of the reinforcement pins 34 is 20 mm). Since the retaining clip 110 has a width (W) greater than that of the cylindrical male member 102₂) Small width (W)₁). Side-to-side movement of the cap 18 relative to the sleeve 12 is facilitated by movement of the lip 112 relative to the flange 60. Telescoping movement of the cap 18 relative to the sleeve 12 is facilitated by the disengagement of the lip 112 from the flange 60 as previously described.

In both cases, the integrity of the first seal ring 68 and the second seal ring 70 is maintained throughout the movement as the rubber extrusion 72 deforms to accommodate the movement. For telescopic movement, the compressive force of second seal ring 70, except for inwardly tapered surface 108 or edge 106, ensures that second seal ring 70 moves with male cylindrical component 102 and thereby maintains a seal.

Once the specified cure time has elapsed, or a properly qualified professional believes that the second section of the floor 22 has settled, one or both of the exposed grout lines 128 are connected to a pump. Grout is pumped through the exposed grout line 128. Due to the interconnection of the grout line 128 and the connectors 10 as already described, the empty space and thus the sealed connectors 10 (i.e. the grouted connectors) are filled as grout enters each connector 10. With the first and second seal rings 68, 70 held stationary, grout does not enter the area defined by the rubber extruded portion 72, the face plate 100 and the male cylindrical component 102. If grout enters this area, the second seal ring 70 may break.

Once all of the connectors 10 are grouted and the grouting is transitioned from a liquid state to a solid state, the exposed grouting pipe 128 is terminated according to the construction requirements of the finished floor slabs (i.e., the first and second sections of the joined floor slabs 20, 22). When the grout inside the connector 10 cures to the required strength, the first and

second surfaces

20, 22 are then locked together to form a continuous floor slab with a complete structure in a permanent state.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, there is provided a connector 200 for forming a seam. Connector 200 includes a sleeve 202, a retention plate 204, sealing member 16, and a cap 206. The sleeve 202 and the fastening plate 204 are minor deformations of the sleeve 12 and the fastening plate 14, the sealing member 16 being as described in the first embodiment.

For the sleeve 202, the first interface 48 is replaced by a mounting platform 208 and a first socket 210. Mounting platform 208 replaces extension slot 46 at distal end 28. The mounting platform 208 rises to a height substantially above the upper surface 44 of the extension slot 46.

A first socket 210 extends from a rear side 212 of the mounting platform 208. The first socket 210 has an enlarged head 214.

Extending from the rear side 214 of the cavity 40 is a second socket 216. The second socket 216 is identical in structure to the first socket 210.

In all other respects, sleeve 202 is of the same construction as sleeve 12.

The securing plate 204 has a first frangible portion 218 and a second frangible portion 220. The first frangible portion 218 occupies each corner 222 of the securing plate 204. The first frangible portion 218 includes a portion of the perimeter of the securing aperture 64. The second frangible portion 220 includes the first frangible portion 218.

Surrounding the fixing hole 64 at one side of the fastening plate 204 are two spacers 224 as shown in fig. 13. The purpose of the spacer 224 will be explained later.

Cover 206 includes a panel 100 having a mating side 226 and a securing side 228. Extending from the mating side 226 is the cylindrical male component 102. The positioning member 86 extends from the fixed side 228.

Surrounding the open end 104 of the male cylindrical part 102 is a rim 106. The rim 106 has an inwardly tapered surface 108.

Located above and below the cylindrical male member 102 are retaining clips 110. Each retaining clip 110 projects from the panel 100 in a direction generally parallel to the cylindrical male member 102. Extending from the free end 114 of the retaining clip 110 is an angled lip 112. One end 230 of the beveled lip 112 faces the male cylindrical member 102 and the other end 232 of the beveled lip 112 faces away from the male cylindrical member 102 and toward the mating side 224.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the only difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment when in use relates substantially to the second socket 216 and its connection via the grout tube 128. The provision of first and

second sockets

214, 216 on the sleeve 12 means that the installer can easily determine which of the

sockets

214, 216 is to be the output interface for grouting and which is to be the input interface for grouting. It also facilitates visual evaluation of the grout passage through all connectors 200 to ensure that grout flows through the tortuous conduit and thereby all connectors 200 as described above. This is not possible in the first embodiment, which relies on a record placed in memory or contemporaneously to determine the location of the grout pipe 128 once the first floor 20 has been dumped.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, a connector 300 for forming a seam between a wall section and a floor section. The connector 300 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the sleeve 202, the securing plate 204, the sealing member 16, an anchor head 302, a threaded securing member 304, and a modified cap 306.

The anchor head 302 includes a base 308 extending from a cylindrical conduit 310. The cylindrical tube 310 has an internally threaded portion 312.

The threaded securing member 304 includes a wall plate 314 and a removable cap 316. The wall plate 314 has fastening holes 318 at each corner. Wall 314 is centrally provided with a hole 320 to receive a removable cover 316. Wall 314 is the same shape and size as panel 100.

The removable cap 316 has a body portion 322, a head portion 324, and a threaded portion 326. The body portion 322 is shaped and dimensioned to be received in the aperture 320. The head portion 324 is larger than the body portion 322 such that the head portion 324 blocks the removable cover 316 from passing through the aperture 320.

Threaded portion 326 is sized and dimensioned to mate the threads with internally threaded portion 312 of cylindrical conduit 310.

Modified cover 306 is equivalent to cover 206 with an additional locating edge 328 extending therefrom. The locating edge 328 extends around the locating member 86 at its free end 330.

The present embodiments will be described in the context of their intended use in forming a seam between a wall portion (not shown) and a floor section (not shown).

The threaded fastener 304 is attached to the anchor head 302 by threadably engaging the internally threaded portion 312 with the threaded portion 326. Once connected, wall panel 314 is fixedly attached to a first sheet form (not shown) in order to take advantage of the structure of the wall section. The fixed connection is made by installing a suitable fastener (not shown) through the fastening hole 318. This process is repeated for each desired connector 300 to be mounted to a wall section.

Once all of the desired mating anchor heads 302 and threaded fasteners 304 are fixedly connected, a rebar grid (also not shown) is then installed into the wall cavity in which the desired wall section is formed. The preparation is completed by installing a second piece of formwork that effectively defines the cavity between the walls.

Concrete is then poured into the defined inter-wall cavity to create the wall portion and allowed to cure. Once cured, the first and second sheets of template are removed.

A third form is then installed to assist in the formation of the floor section, as is known to those skilled in the art. As can be readily appreciated, the third template is located below the mating anchor head 302 and threaded fastener 304.

The threaded fastener 304 is then partially removed from the wall, leaving the anchor head 302 in place. Thus, removable cover 316 is withdrawn from anchor head 302 and wall 314 is pried loose. This leaves a hole to the anchor head 302 and a recess in the wall section of the same profile as the wall section. It should be noted that the outer edge diameter of the locating edge 328 is slightly larger than the void created by the body portion 322 to ensure a tight fit for the seal.

Modified cap 306 is then installed into the hole until locating rim 328 contacts internally threaded portion 312 of cylindrical conduit 310. It should also be seen that panel 100 is neatly received in the recess left after removal of wall panel 314.

A pin having a threaded end is then inserted through the male cylindrical member 102 and the locating member 86 as shown in fig. 16. Once inserted, the pin is manipulated as necessary to threadably engage the threaded end with the internally threaded portion 312 of the tubular conduit 310. Once the threads are engaged, the remainder of the pin is extended by modified cover 306 in a direction parallel to the third template.

The sleeve 202 is then installed as already described in the second embodiment, and the grout line 128 is connected as required. Grouting of the floor section and sealing of the sleeve 202 is then performed as described in the first embodiment.

Although the above embodiments have been described in connection with a general combination of

connectors

10, 200, 300, those skilled in the art will recognize that other combinations may be used. The only limitation to these combinations is that the cap and sleeve must form a fluid tight connection when assembled.

Although the above embodiments are described in the context of a post-tensioned concrete floor, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to this application. Rather, the present invention may be used in connection with any structure, or portion(s) thereof, in which construction PT techniques are used. For example, the invention may be used to connect a wall or floor section to a slope, or a wall or floor section to a staircase, or a floor to a floor, on the ground.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the described embodiments. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Ideally, the

connector

10, 200, 300 should be of sufficient size to ensure that the reinforcement pin 34 is surrounded along its length by at least 20mm of grout.

The

sleeves

12, 202 may be modified so that the brackets 352, as known to those skilled in the art, may be releasably attached thereto to provide support for portions that are not secured to the form 66. An example of such a modification is shown in fig. 20.

To prevent cement fines from entering the gap between the face plate 100 and the

fastening plate

14, 204, a compressible material 350 may be applied to either of the two

plates

14, 100, as shown in FIG. 21. Ideally, the compressible material is adhesively applied to both sides thereof. This facilitates temporarily holding the panel 100 to the

fastening plate

14, 204 until the

connector

10, 200 is sealed.

In the first embodiment, the

ports

48, 90 may assume either configuration for the connector 10, provided that one serves as the inlet port for grouting while the other serves as the outlet port. The same considerations apply to the

sockets

210, 216 with respect to the second and third embodiments.

The spacer 224 may be used to compensate for the width of the compressed material, as it has been found that without the spacer 224, the securing of the

fastening plate

14, 204 to the template renders the frangible portion 210 susceptible to failure.

Other forms of coupling of the panel 100 to the housing 22 are possible. For example, the panel 100 may be adhered to the housing 22 by using an adhesive or other adhesive medium.

To remove the need for cleaning of the open face 42a, a protective cover may be used to protect the aperture 58 and the open face from dust or other contaminants. One example of a protective cover is a removable label as shown in fig. 9-5.

The first and

second interfaces

48, 90 or the first and

second sockets

210, 216 may be modified as desired. Ideally, these component modifications are made to facilitate a quick-fit connector.

Fastener holes 64 may be modified as desired to facilitate retention of any suitable fastener, such as a nail or screw.

The housing 12 may be of any suitable shape. However, it can be seen that the preferred form is that the cross-section of the housing 12 is rounded rectangular or substantially circular.

The

connectors

10, 200, 300 may be made of plastic or other low cost material, provided that they have sufficient strength to accommodate grout and are not easily damaged by installers.

The ribs 38 may be replaced by corrugations, grooves, peaks, bosses or grooves.

The ribs 38 may have any suitable form, shape, size or profile that increases the contact area between the exterior of the shell 22 and the unset concrete floor to assist in securing the sleeve 12 in place.

Other forms of concrete reinforcement may be used, such as a grid of steel reinforcement.

The rubber extruded part may be made of other materials as long as it is flexible.

First seal ring 68 may be made of a solid material having a 5mm circular rubber profile that deforms into a shape having a 4mm x4mm square profile when received in square passage 118. In such a configuration, the forward ring provides a solid pre-compression seal for securing the seal member 16 between the mounting plate 14 and the housing 32.

It will also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The described additions or modifications, without mutual exclusivity, may be combined to form further embodiments considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector for forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface, comprising:

a hollow male component having a body entirely embedded in a first surface, the male component having an open-ended protrusion extending from the body;

a hollow female member entirely embedded in the second surface, the female member having a mating opening for receiving the protrusion; and

a flexible sealing means for forming a fluid tight seal between the female and male components,

wherein, upon installation, a rebar forming part of the first surface extends through the entire male component into the female component, subsequent movement of the male component in any direction caused by the rebar during sedimentation of the first surface prior to grouting being facilitated by the flexibility of the sealing means without breaking the fluid tight seal formed between the female and male components.

2. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sealing means comprises a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring connected by a rubber extrusion, wherein the first sealing ring is connected only to the female part and the second sealing ring is connected only to the male part.

3. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 2, wherein the first seal ring is received within the passage of the female component such that a mechanical seal is formed between the first seal ring and the passage.

4. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, subsiding surface according to claim 2, wherein the open-ended protrusion has an inwardly tapered surface that functions to facilitate connection of the second seal ring to the open-ended protrusion and functions to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when subjected to telescoping movement during subsiding.

5. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 1, wherein the male or female part has a first spigot and a second spigot, each configured to receive a grout tube, such that pumped grout flows into the connector through the grout tube connected to the first spigot and out of the connector via the grout tube connected to the second spigot.

6. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 5, wherein the male and/or female part has at least one longitudinally extending groove provided in an upper surface thereof, the first and second sockets being located at a higher elevation relative to the upper surface of the male and/or female part than the longitudinally extending groove.

7. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 1, wherein the mating opening is in the form of a cavity of greater width and height than the remainder of the female member, the projection and sealing member being received within the cavity.

8. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 1, wherein the female member has a fastening plate for facilitating connection of the female member to a formwork mounted to facilitate formation of the second surface.

9. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 8 wherein the fastening plate has at least one fastening hole for receiving a fastener and thereby facilitating attachment of the female member to the formwork; the fastening plate has at least one frangible portion, and the at least one fixing hole is provided on at least one of the at least one frangible portion.

10. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 8, wherein the male part has a face plate having the same profile as the fastening plate such that alignment of the face plate with the fastening plate corresponds to alignment of the male part with the female part; also included is a compressible material disposed between the face plate and the fastening plate during installation.

11. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first surface and a second, sinking surface according to claim 1 wherein the male and/or female part has at least one longitudinally extending groove provided in an upper surface thereof.

12. A connector for forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface of a sink, comprising:

wherein, upon installation, a rebar forming part of the second surface extends through the entire female part and then into the protrusion, subsequent movement of the female part in any direction caused by the rebar during sedimentation of the second surface prior to grouting being facilitated by the flexibility of the sealing means without breaking the fluid tight seal formed between the female and male parts.

13. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 12, wherein the flexible sealing means comprises a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring connected by a rubber extrusion, wherein the first sealing ring is connected only to the female part and the second sealing ring is connected only to the male part.

14. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 13, wherein the first seal ring is received within the channel of the female component such that a mechanical seal is formed between the first seal ring and the channel.

15. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface as claimed in claim 13, wherein the open ended projection has an inwardly tapered surface which acts to assist in the connection of the second seal ring to the open ended projection and acts to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open ended projection when subjected to concertina movement during settling.

16. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 12, wherein the male or female member has a first spigot and a second spigot, each configured to receive a grout tube, such that pumped grout flows into the connector through the grout tube connected to the first spigot and out of the connector via the grout tube connected to the second spigot.

17. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 16, wherein the male and/or female member has at least one longitudinally extending groove provided in an upper surface thereof, the first and second sockets being located at a higher elevation relative to the upper surface of the male and/or female member than the longitudinally extending groove.

18. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 12, wherein the mating opening is in the form of a cavity of greater width and height than the remainder of the female member, the projection and sealing member being received within the cavity.

19. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 12, wherein the female member has a fastening plate for facilitating connection of the female member to a formwork mounted to facilitate formation of the second surface.

20. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 19, wherein the fastening plate has at least one fastening hole for receiving a fastener and thereby facilitating connection of the female member to the formwork; the fastening plate has at least one frangible portion, and the at least one fixing hole is provided on at least one of the at least one frangible portion.

21. A connector for use in forming a joint between first and second settled surfaces according to claim 19, wherein the male part has a face plate having the same profile as the fastening plate such that alignment of the face plate with the fastening plate corresponds to alignment of the male part with the female part; also included is a compressible material disposed between the face plate and the fastening plate during installation.

22. A connector for use in forming a joint between a first and second settled surface according to claim 12, wherein the male and/or female member has at least one longitudinally extending groove provided on an upper surface thereof.

23. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface, comprising the steps of:

securing the female part of the connector to a template for the second surface;

forming the second surface with the female component entirely embedded therein such that the opening of the female component remains accessible after the template is removed;

mating an open-ended protrusion extending from a body of a male component of the connector with the opening of the female component following the subsidence of the second surface such that a flexible sealing device forms a fluid tight seal between the female and male components;

installing a reinforcing bar into the female member through the projection;

forming the first surface with a male component entirely embedded therein;

the connector is grouted, and the connector,

wherein any directional movement of the body of the male component caused by the rebar during settling of the first surface is facilitated by the flexibility of the sealing device without breaking the fluid tight seal formed between the female and male components.

24. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 23, further comprising the step of forming a mechanical seal between the first sealing ring and a channel of the female component formed by attaching a fastening plate to a cavity forming part of the female component.

25. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 23, further comprising the step of inserting the open-ended protrusion through a second seal ring such that the inwardly tapered surface of the open-ended protrusion facilitates the insertion while acting to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when the male and female members are subjected to telescoping movement during sedimentation.

26. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 23, further comprising the step of connecting a grout tube to each of a pair of sockets secured to the male and/or female members, such that grout pumped through the first socket flows into the connector and out of the connector via the grout tube connected to the second socket.

27. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 23, further comprising the step of aligning the fastening plate of the female component with the face plate of the male component.

28. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 27, further comprising the step of installing a compressible material between the panel and the fastening plate; and forming a bond between the compressible material and the face plate or the fastening plate or both the face plate and the fastening plate.

29. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface, comprising the steps of:

securing the female part of the connector to a template for the second surface;

installing a rebar such that the rebar extends entirely through the female component;

forming the first surface with a body of a male component entirely embedded therein;

the connector is grouted, and the connector,

wherein any directional movement of the body of the male component caused by the rebar during settling of the first surface is facilitated by the flexibility of the sealing means without breaking the fluid tight seal formed between the female and male components.

30. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 29, further comprising the step of forming a mechanical seal between the first seal ring and the passage of the female component; the channel is formed by connecting a fastening plate to a cavity forming part of the female part.

31. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 29, further comprising the step of inserting the open-ended protrusion through a second seal ring such that the inwardly tapered surface of the open-ended protrusion facilitates the insertion while acting to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when the male and female members are subjected to telescoping movement during sedimentation.

32. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 29, further comprising the step of connecting a grout tube to each of a pair of sockets secured to the male and/or female members, such that grout pumped through the first socket flows into the connector and out of the connector via the grout tube connected to the second socket.

33. A method of forming a joint between a first surface and a second surface according to claim 29, further comprising the step of aligning the fastening plate of the female component with the face plate of the male component; a step of installing a compressible material between the face plate and the fastening plate; a step of forming a bond between the compressible material and the face plate or the fastening plate or both the face plate and the fastening plate.

34. A coupling device for forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, comprising:

an anchor head having a threaded portion for engaging the vertical surface;

a pin having a mating threaded portion;

a hollow female member embedded in the horizontal plane, the female member having a mating opening for receiving the protrusion; and

a flexible sealing means for forming a fluid tight seal between said female and male components;

wherein, upon installation, a rebar is matingly connected to the anchor head by a threaded portion, an unmated end of the pin extending through the protrusion into the female component, such that prior to grouting, any directional movement of the female component caused by the pin during horizontal surface settling is facilitated by the flexibility of the sealing device without breaking the fluid tight seal formed between the female and male components.

35. A connection device for use in forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface as claimed in claim 34, further comprising a wall plate having a cylinder with a threaded portion, the cylinder functioning to matingly connect to the anchor head by the threaded portion and thereby hold the anchor head in place during formation of the vertical plane.

36. A method of forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, comprising the steps of:

securing a wall panel to a formwork for said vertical surface formation;

connecting the anchor head to the cylindrical portion of the wall plate;

removing the wall panel from the vertical surface;

connecting a pin to an anchor head embedded on the vertical surface;

mounting a male part of a connector to an area formed by removal of the wall plate from the vertical surface, the male part having an open-ended projection through which the pin extends;

mating an open ended protrusion of the male component with an opening of a first female component of the connector such that a flexible sealing device forms a fluid tight seal between the first female component and the male component;

forming a vertical surface having the first female member embedded therein; and

grouting the connector.

37. A method of forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface according to claim 36, further comprising the steps of forming a mechanical seal between a first sealing ring and the channel of the first female member, and forming the channel by attaching a fastening plate to a cavity forming part of the first female member.

38. A method of forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface according to claim 37, further comprising the step of inserting the open-ended protrusion through a second seal ring such that the inwardly tapered surface of the open-ended protrusion facilitates the insertion while serving to resist disengagement of the second seal ring from the open-ended protrusion when the male and female members are subjected to telescoping movement during settling.

39. A method of forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface according to claim 37, further comprising the step of connecting a grout tube to each of a pair of spigots secured to the first female component, such that grout pumped through the first spigot flows into the connector and out of the connector via the grout tube connected to the second spigot.

40. A method of forming a joint between a vertical surface and a horizontal surface as claimed in claim 37 further comprising the steps of aligning the fastening plate of the first female component with the panel of the male component, installing a compressible material between the panel and the fastening plate, and forming a bond with the panel or the fastening plate or the panel and the fastening plate.